Compost & Animal Poo & Organic Matter Locations- (both free & cost-fee) - Transition Whatcom2024-03-28T22:17:11Zhttp://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/forum/topics/compost-animal-poo-organic?groupUrl=organic&commentId=2723460%3AComment%3A16763&groupId=2723460%3AGroup%3A5850&feed=yes&xn_auth=noGwerder family of Hy-Grass Fa…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2013-03-12:2723460:Comment:878782013-03-12T04:31:11.919ZHeather Khttp://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/HeatherK
<p>Gwerder family of Hy-Grass Farms in Auburn, WA offer Moo-Doo, a mulch/compost product <a href="http://www.moo-doo.com/moodoo">http://www.moo-doo.com/moodoo</a> They sterlize their mix of cow manure & sawdust. I met a couple of these dairy farmers in February at the Seattle Flower Garden Show, and they said they used organic methods on their farm, and used no GMO Seeds. They sell buy the bag or truckload. If you know anyone traveling north with a truck, I'd welcome the chance to share…</p>
<p>Gwerder family of Hy-Grass Farms in Auburn, WA offer Moo-Doo, a mulch/compost product <a href="http://www.moo-doo.com/moodoo">http://www.moo-doo.com/moodoo</a> They sterlize their mix of cow manure & sawdust. I met a couple of these dairy farmers in February at the Seattle Flower Garden Show, and they said they used organic methods on their farm, and used no GMO Seeds. They sell buy the bag or truckload. If you know anyone traveling north with a truck, I'd welcome the chance to share a full or half load....</p> Update on the hay test:
My t…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2010-09-24:2723460:Comment:318952010-09-24T14:10:39.149ZAngela MacLeodhttp://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/AngelaMacLeod
Update on the hay test:<br />
<br />
My test pots of peas have all grown and the seedlings using the hay-infused water look normal with no symptoms of the herbicide. They look the same as the seedlings grown with plain water.<br />
<br />
The source for that hay is Joe at 398-1419. He had an add on craigs list a few months ago. I do not know if he still has any for sale. He called it Timothy hay with some orchard grass. I have seen red clover (a broadleaf weed) mixed in with the hay so that further confrims a lack of…
Update on the hay test:<br />
<br />
My test pots of peas have all grown and the seedlings using the hay-infused water look normal with no symptoms of the herbicide. They look the same as the seedlings grown with plain water.<br />
<br />
The source for that hay is Joe at 398-1419. He had an add on craigs list a few months ago. I do not know if he still has any for sale. He called it Timothy hay with some orchard grass. I have seen red clover (a broadleaf weed) mixed in with the hay so that further confrims a lack of the aminopyrlid herbicide.<br />
<br />
I called Smits yesterday to see if they had any news on their composted manure. They said they <b><u>could not</u></b> confirm <b>no</b> broadleaf herbicide in their composted manure yet. But they hope to have some soon. They continue to do their own grow tests using the manure they carry and are still seeing signs of the herbicide. They may have 'clean' manure in a month.<br />
<br />
I also called Grow Source and asked if they have any herbicide free composted manure, or soil mix. They said that they believe that their products do not have any traces of the herbicide but they could not guarentee it. The guy said that he personally has been using their product with no sign of the herbicide and that none of his customers have told him that they have had problems. But he acknowledged that it would be hard to know for sure without lab tests.<br />
<br />
I know two people who have bought soil mix from Grow Source and <b>have had problems</b> with their Vegetable gardens....these are both experienced gardeners who have read about the actual symptoms of the herbicide and are not just blaming any growth problem on the product from Grow Source....still they didn't get lab tests done.<br />
<br />
<cite>Angela MacLeod said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/forum/topics/compost-animal-poo-organic?groupUrl=organic&id=2723460%3ATopic%3A16736&groupId=2723460%3AGroup%3A5850&page=2#2723460Comment30135"><div>If anyone is interested I found a source of herbicide-free horse manure.....Ell Worthington 927-0045.<br/> <br/>
I have continued to search for hay and composted manure that hasn't been tainted with the herbicide. I found a source of Timothy hay and orchard grass from a local horse person. He said that it had not be sprayed but I didn't feel confident so I am growing a test. I made a concentrated water infusion of the hay to use to water the pea seeds. I got 'clean' potting soil and set up 6 pots. 3 for control using only filtered water. and 3 using the hay water. All the conditions except for the water are the same. So far the sprouts look the same in all the pots. This Timothy hay is for my rabbits to eat, and their manure will be for the garden.<br/>
<br/>
I found a source of 3 month old horse manure from a person who claimed to be sure that there was no herbicide used on their horse feed. Making a personal connection has been enriching. I would prefer cow manure but the dairy farmers I've tried to contact all are extremely busy. It takes time to build connections. have also started keeping rabbits We also have started keeping chickens but that will take time also to generate manure for the garden. I'm new at gardening and there is a lot to learn. We just bought a house on a half acre and the previous owners used some local compost that probably had some of the herbicide as I am seeing some evidence in the plants this season. But it is difficult to know when there could also be other reasons for the mangled growth.<br/>
<br/>
I'm still concerned for the local organic farmers and their livelihood being adversely impacted by this herbicide. I'm surprised that there is so little in the news about it.<br/>
Angela</div>
</blockquote> I will also add that if anyon…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2010-08-31:2723460:Comment:301382010-08-31T16:09:43.759ZAngela MacLeodhttp://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/AngelaMacLeod
I will also add that if anyone wants to do their own tests, this is the way I made my infusion:<br />
<br />
Place two large hand fulls of hay to be tested into a large glass bowl or jar. (or other material to be tested). Boil some water and pour over the hay. Stir it and get it under the water. Let it infuse for 8 or so hours. Strain. Use this to water your test seeds/starts. I kept mine in a jar in the fridge other wise it will ferment. Maybe that isn't a problem, I'm just trying to keep the variables to…
I will also add that if anyone wants to do their own tests, this is the way I made my infusion:<br />
<br />
Place two large hand fulls of hay to be tested into a large glass bowl or jar. (or other material to be tested). Boil some water and pour over the hay. Stir it and get it under the water. Let it infuse for 8 or so hours. Strain. Use this to water your test seeds/starts. I kept mine in a jar in the fridge other wise it will ferment. Maybe that isn't a problem, I'm just trying to keep the variables to a minimum.<br />
Make sure to use soil that isn't suspect for herbicide. Keep everything else the same, same seeds, same size pots, same location etc...Peas grow fast.<br />
<br />
Angela<br />
<br />
<cite>Angela MacLeod said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/forum/topics/compost-animal-poo-organic?groupUrl=organic&id=2723460%3ATopic%3A16736&groupId=2723460%3AGroup%3A5850&page=2#2723460Comment30135"><div>If anyone is interested I found a source of herbicide-free horse manure.....Ell Worthington 927-0045.<br/> <br/>
I have continued to search for hay and composted manure that hasn't been tainted with the herbicide. I found a source of Timothy hay and orchard grass from a local horse person. He said that it had not be sprayed but I didn't feel confident so I am growing a test. I made a concentrated water infusion of the hay to use to water the pea seeds. I got 'clean' potting soil and set up 6 pots. 3 for control using only filtered water. and 3 using the hay water. All the conditions except for the water are the same. So far the sprouts look the same in all the pots. This Timothy hay is for my rabbits to eat, and their manure will be for the garden.<br/>
<br/>
I found a source of 3 month old horse manure from a person who claimed to be sure that there was no herbicide used on their horse feed. Making a personal connection has been enriching. I would prefer cow manure but the dairy farmers I've tried to contact all are extremely busy. It takes time to build connections. have also started keeping rabbits We also have started keeping chickens but that will take time also to generate manure for the garden. I'm new at gardening and there is a lot to learn. We just bought a house on a half acre and the previous owners used some local compost that probably had some of the herbicide as I am seeing some evidence in the plants this season. But it is difficult to know when there could also be other reasons for the mangled growth.<br/>
<br/>
I'm still concerned for the local organic farmers and their livelihood being adversely impacted by this herbicide. I'm surprised that there is so little in the news about it.<br/>
Angela</div>
</blockquote> If anyone is interested I fou…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2010-08-31:2723460:Comment:301352010-08-31T13:51:29.521ZAngela MacLeodhttp://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/AngelaMacLeod
If anyone is interested I found a source of herbicide-free horse manure.....Ell Worthington 927-0045.<br />
<br />
I have continued to search for hay and composted manure that hasn't been tainted with the herbicide. I found a source of Timothy hay and orchard grass from a local horse person. He said that it had not be sprayed but I didn't feel confident so I am growing a test. I made a concentrated water infusion of the hay to use to water the pea seeds. I got 'clean' potting soil and set up 6 pots. 3 for…
If anyone is interested I found a source of herbicide-free horse manure.....Ell Worthington 927-0045.<br />
<br />
I have continued to search for hay and composted manure that hasn't been tainted with the herbicide. I found a source of Timothy hay and orchard grass from a local horse person. He said that it had not be sprayed but I didn't feel confident so I am growing a test. I made a concentrated water infusion of the hay to use to water the pea seeds. I got 'clean' potting soil and set up 6 pots. 3 for control using only filtered water. and 3 using the hay water. All the conditions except for the water are the same. So far the sprouts look the same in all the pots. This Timothy hay is for my rabbits to eat, and their manure will be for the garden.<br />
<br />
I found a source of 3 month old horse manure from a person who claimed to be sure that there was no herbicide used on their horse feed. Making a personal connection has been enriching. I would prefer cow manure but the dairy farmers I've tried to contact all are extremely busy. It takes time to build connections. have also started keeping rabbits We also have started keeping chickens but that will take time also to generate manure for the garden. I'm new at gardening and there is a lot to learn. We just bought a house on a half acre and the previous owners used some local compost that probably had some of the herbicide as I am seeing some evidence in the plants this season. But it is difficult to know when there could also be other reasons for the mangled growth.<br />
<br />
I'm still concerned for the local organic farmers and their livelihood being adversely impacted by this herbicide. I'm surprised that there is so little in the news about it.<br />
Angela Idea: Everyone go on Craigs l…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2010-08-12:2723460:Comment:286242010-08-12T20:39:11.832ZAngela MacLeodhttp://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/AngelaMacLeod
Idea: Everyone go on Craigs list to the Farm and Garden section and do a wanted post like this:<br />
<br />
Wanted: hay with clover in it. (if it has clover then it cant have had the herbicide applied)<br />
<br />
OR<br />
<br />
Wanted: hay with out the HERBICIDE Aminpyralid and manure from animals that have not been fed any food grown with the HERBICIDE Aminpyralid.<br />
<br />
And<br />
<br />
Tell Grow Source and Smits etc that you want manure/compost/hay with out the HERBICIDE Aminpyralid. Tell them that you know dozens of other gardeners who…
Idea: Everyone go on Craigs list to the Farm and Garden section and do a wanted post like this:<br />
<br />
Wanted: hay with clover in it. (if it has clover then it cant have had the herbicide applied)<br />
<br />
OR<br />
<br />
Wanted: hay with out the HERBICIDE Aminpyralid and manure from animals that have not been fed any food grown with the HERBICIDE Aminpyralid.<br />
<br />
And<br />
<br />
Tell Grow Source and Smits etc that you want manure/compost/hay with out the HERBICIDE Aminpyralid. Tell them that you know dozens of other gardeners who want this too.<br />
<br />
<cite>Heather K said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/forum/topics/compost-animal-poo-organic?groupUrl=organic&#2723460Comment28416"><div>Many of us caring for land forget that our unsprayed 'mowed meadows' (lawns) are a great source for organic matter for both garden compost and small animal bedding.<br/> One reason some folks don't have animals, is the many hidden costs of caring for them is subsidized by inexpensive feed or bedding that has Not been grown chemical-free.<br/>
<br/>
Any local dairy farmer who would make the decision to not use these chemicals on their fields, would have many folks wanting their manure & bedding....although that type of dairy farmer also might realize how valuable his cow manure was and be making compost for his own fields.<br/>
(I have a small truck if anyone finds a safe source of cow/straw manure...as my one beyond-organic cow/farming friend allows me to fork up the cow manure direct from the field because he understands the true labor & cost of growing the cow, with chemical-free straw & hay, and moving the manure to build compost piles).<br/>
<br/>
My recall is that this herbicide has effected other communities in the past, and that Great Britian has banned the herbicide.....and much of the cow milk that is grown in Whatcom is being dried and exported to outside of the county.<br/>
<br/>
One of my garden-farm friends had her contaminated soil dug out and removed and is sending a bill to Dow for the cost.....another garden friend showed me the soil they had gotton from Grow Source, and it had been there for 3 summer/spring months and it was barren, as in not even weeds were growing in it. <i>(Paul Wheaton took vidoes of both gardeners speaking on the tour Christy & I took him on last week).</i><br/>
I have still not heard back from some mycelium folks to learn what mushroom would be helpful in breaking this chemical down.<br/>
As we learn more about what broadleaf plants this chemical kills or harms, then we will be better able to walk (or bicycle past) farmland to visually see that these guardian plants ('weeds') exist on the land, as an indicator that herbicides have not been applied.<br/>
<br/>
The article in the Herald 8/1/10 was very very delayed in being printed (over a month past when farmers reported the damage & phoned them), and its a brief article, but I except the reporter will be writing more, and I look forward to a solution focused informative article.<br/>
As I talk to more conventional/chemical farmers, I learn that many of them are much more relaxed about this chemical in the community then I would be. I found one local urban grower who denied using Smits compost, but I found labeled plastic bags of it on pallets near their greenhouse.....<br/>
If our county had the citizen awareness & initiative like the British did, we could ban any chemical ag imports from Dow products, as there is no 'away' once something has entered our mouths, our homes, or our watersheds.<br/>
<br/>
<b>I encourage folks with an interest to start a new TW Discussion on the main page so that all members outside of this group can participate, or to continue the conversation on Farmer Walter's blog where all can comment.</b>:<br/>
<br/>
<b>"A New Problem With Commercial Compost":</b><br/>
<a href="http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-new-problem-with-commercial" target="_blank">http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-new-problem-with...</a><br/>
<b>And, especially to get to know their farmers and the land their food is grown on.</b><br/>
<br/>
Here is a summary from top of this Organic Matter discussion:<br/>
<br/>
<b>"If you are adding Compost or Organic Matter to your soil from off-site locations or purchasing<br/>
– Be-Aware and know your sources or better yet, grow, harvest, incorporate your own organic matter!"</b><br/>
<br/>
<b>Link on contamination by aminopyralid residues in commercial & offsite compost & manures & soil mixes from Wash State U 7/2010</b>: <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/aminopyralid" target="_blank">http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/aminopyralid</a></i><br/>
<br/>
<b>"...Herbicide Creates Killer Compost" - article from last year 09 in Mother Earth News:</b><br/>
<i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/Grow-It/Milestone-Herbicide-Contamination-Creates-Dangerous-Toxic-Compost.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.motherearthnews.com/Grow-It/Milestone-Herbicide-Contamin...</a></i><br/>
<br/>
<b>Link on ideas of how to avoid the chemicals, and what to do if your soil is effected</b>:<br/>
<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.the-compost-gardener.com/picloram.html" target="_blank">http://www.the-compost-gardener.com/picloram.html</a><br/>
(link thanks to Laura R)<br/>
<br/>
<b>Angela, thanks for your post and awareness..<br/>
I'm with you on doing research</b>, and lets consider sharing on a wider TW discussion page so more folks can comment. (Ok to call me anytime)<br/>
I'm not caught up on all my Whatcom Farmer's emails or TW emails yet, but I've thought that if one of us went to the Sat Farmers Coop and asked around, we might hear of the most recent updates. (Possibly one of our local video TW folks up in Ferndale might be interested in helping out too.)<br/>
<br/>
Have you given the WA University Extension Service a call, or connected with Laura R with Sustainable Connections to see if they have any news to share?<br/>
<br/>
<b>( Angela, I also have a recent source of some rained-on no-spray hay/straw if you are interested give me a call before end of this week!).</b><br/>
<br/>
<cite>Angela MacLeod said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/forum/topics/compost-animal-poo-organic?groupUrl=organic&xg_source=activity#2723460Comment28375"><div>Is anyone doing any research for local sources of animal feed and manure that are free of the problem herbicide?......If anyone wants to join me to do research please call,<br/>Angela MacLeod<br/></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote> Valuable info shared on herbi…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2010-08-10:2723460:Comment:284192010-08-10T02:41:12.255ZHeather Khttp://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/HeatherK
<b>Valuable info shared on herbicide aminopyralid</b> per comment by Laura R on June 28, 2010 in Walter H blog: quote: <b>“The product, marketed as "Milestone Herbicide", introduced in 2006 by Dow AgroSciences, aminopyralid, and according to our extension agent, Craig MacConnell, the chemical is active down to parts per trillion. It is highly persistent for years and minute concentrations will have an effect on plants. They don't yet know how long but are guessing it could take up to 10 years…</b>
<b>Valuable info shared on herbicide aminopyralid</b> per comment by Laura R on June 28, 2010 in Walter H blog: quote: <b>“The product, marketed as "Milestone Herbicide", introduced in 2006 by Dow AgroSciences, aminopyralid, and according to our extension agent, Craig MacConnell, the chemical is active down to parts per trillion. It is highly persistent for years and minute concentrations will have an effect on plants. They don't yet know how long but are guessing it could take up to 10 years to break down in the soil.</b><br />
<br />
<b>“In Whatcom it is mostly applied on grass pasture for dairy cows, and applied to corn silage crops for cows via the slurry from manure lagoon. (Although similar broad leaf herbicides are used on barley, wheat, and places that grow a lot of grass, like golf courses). It is a bio-accumulator (plants, like grass and corn take it up and then wherever those plants go or are disposed of, they spread the chemical). It also persists in the ground water, and may have an environmental effect on water species.</b><br />
<br />
“The WA Department of Ag is investigating which businesses have take out use applications for Milestone Herbicide. <b>Dow is suggesting the only way to get rid it is to a) grow up a cover crop (in the grass family that will not be effected by it) and burn the cover crop material (and then find place to dispose of the burned material where it won't effect plants), and b) remove 18-24 inches of top soil and dispose of it.</b> Apparently heavy irrigation of the soil can speed up the decomposition, but it is expected to be a very slow process.<br />
<br />
“In addition to getting in compost, the bigger issues to be aware of are:<br />
* we have nearly 50,000 cows in Whatcom County, mostly all for dairy production.<br />
Dairies need to get rid of a lot of manure. This will be a significant waste issue very quickly.<br />
* We have many different manure companies and products that use the manure, making it very difficult to trace.<br />
* It is possible, because of the high number of dairies and land that the manure has been spread on that Whatcom County may see a higher damage rate as a whole.<br />
* Lands in Whatcom County will need to be tested before growing vegetables on them<br />
* I am particularly concerned that we may have reduced capacity to successfully grow fresh produce on our lands designated for agriculture for quite some time. Currently we have a little over 80,000 acres designated good agricultural soil. <b>If you are considering buying land for row crops, berries or anything but corn, Aminopyralid will likely effect your production capacity, and therefore it effects all of us......</b><br />
<br />
“Apparently the impacts of its use has been known since the product came out.....” endquote from<br />
<a href="http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-new-problem-with-commercial" target="_blank">http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-new-problem-with-commercial</a><br />
<br />
<cite>Angela MacLeod said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/forum/topics/compost-animal-poo-organic?groupUrl=organic&#2723460Comment28375"><div>Is anyone doing any research for local sources of animal feed and manure that are free of the problem herbicide?<br/><br/>We are getting rabbits to keep for their manure for our garden. But if we buy hay and other feed that has the herbicide it will get into our garden. ..... It will take time to research via going out to the county to ask farmers what they use on their crops....time and gas to do that kind of research. May be necessary or the only way to find out. But not every gardener needs to do that if some of us are willing to team up, do research and report to others via this site..... I have not heard anything about what is being done to remedy this problem. It seems pretty serious to me if the damage continues for at least several years. .........If anyone wants to join me to do research please call,Angela MacLeod733-3541</div>
</blockquote> Many of us caring for land fo…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2010-08-10:2723460:Comment:284162010-08-10T01:37:43.473ZHeather Khttp://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/HeatherK
Many of us caring for land forget that our unsprayed 'mowed meadows' (lawns) are a great source for organic matter for both garden compost and small animal bedding.<br />
One reason some folks don't have animals, is the many hidden costs of caring for them is subsidized by inexpensive feed or bedding that has Not been grown chemical-free.<br />
<br />
Any local dairy farmer who would make the decision to not use these chemicals on their fields, would have many folks wanting their manure & bedding....although…
Many of us caring for land forget that our unsprayed 'mowed meadows' (lawns) are a great source for organic matter for both garden compost and small animal bedding.<br />
One reason some folks don't have animals, is the many hidden costs of caring for them is subsidized by inexpensive feed or bedding that has Not been grown chemical-free.<br />
<br />
Any local dairy farmer who would make the decision to not use these chemicals on their fields, would have many folks wanting their manure & bedding....although that type of dairy farmer also might realize how valuable his cow manure was and be making compost for his own fields.<br />
(I have a small truck if anyone finds a safe source of cow/straw manure...as my one beyond-organic cow/farming friend allows me to fork up the cow manure direct from the field because he understands the true labor & cost of growing the cow, with chemical-free straw & hay, and moving the manure to build compost piles).<br />
<br />
My recall is that this herbicide has effected other communities in the past, and that Great Britian has banned the herbicide.....and much of the cow milk that is grown in Whatcom is being dried and exported to outside of the county.<br />
<br />
One of my garden-farm friends had her contaminated soil dug out and removed and is sending a bill to Dow for the cost.....another garden friend showed me the soil they had gotton from Grow Source, and it had been there for 3 summer/spring months and it was barren, as in not even weeds were growing in it. <i>(Paul Wheaton took vidoes of both gardeners speaking on the tour Christy & I took him on last week).</i><br />
I have still not heard back from some mycelium folks to learn what mushroom would be helpful in breaking this chemical down.<br />
As we learn more about what broadleaf plants this chemical kills or harms, then we will be better able to walk (or bicycle past) farmland to visually see that these guardian plants ('weeds') exist on the land, as an indicator that herbicides have not been applied.<br />
<br />
The article in the Herald 8/1/10 was very very delayed in being printed (over a month past when farmers reported the damage & phoned them), and its a brief article, but I except the reporter will be writing more, and I look forward to a solution focused informative article.<br />
As I talk to more conventional/chemical farmers, I learn that many of them are much more relaxed about this chemical in the community then I would be. I found one local urban grower who denied using Smits compost, but I found labeled plastic bags of it on pallets near their greenhouse.....<br />
If our county had the citizen awareness & initiative like the British did, we could ban any chemical ag imports from Dow products, as there is no 'away' once something has entered our mouths, our homes, or our watersheds.<br />
<br />
<b>I encourage folks with an interest to start a new TW Discussion on the main page so that all members outside of this group can participate, or to continue the conversation on Farmer Walter's blog where all can comment.</b>:<br />
<br />
<b>"A New Problem With Commercial Compost":</b><br />
<a href="http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-new-problem-with-commercial" target="_blank">http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-new-problem-with...</a><br />
<b>And, especially to get to know their farmers and the land their food is grown on.</b><br />
<br />
Here is a summary from top of this Organic Matter discussion:<br />
<br />
<b>"If you are adding Compost or Organic Matter to your soil from off-site locations or purchasing<br />
– Be-Aware and know your sources or better yet, grow, harvest, incorporate your own organic matter!"</b><br />
<br />
<b>Link on contamination by aminopyralid residues in commercial & offsite compost & manures & soil mixes from Wash State U 7/2010</b>: <i><a href="http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/aminopyralid" target="_blank">http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/aminopyralid</a></i><br />
<br />
<b>"...Herbicide Creates Killer Compost" - article from last year 09 in Mother Earth News:</b><br />
<i><a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/Grow-It/Milestone-Herbicide-Contamination-Creates-Dangerous-Toxic-Compost.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.motherearthnews.com/Grow-It/Milestone-Herbicide-Contamin...</a></i><br />
<br />
<b>Link on ideas of how to avoid the chemicals, and what to do if your soil is effected</b>:<br />
<a href="http://www.the-compost-gardener.com/picloram.html" target="_blank">http://www.the-compost-gardener.com/picloram.html</a><br />
(link thanks to Laura R)<br />
<br />
<b>Angela, thanks for your post and awareness..<br />
I'm with you on doing research</b>, and lets consider sharing on a wider TW discussion page so more folks can comment. (Ok to call me anytime)<br />
I'm not caught up on all my Whatcom Farmer's emails or TW emails yet, but I've thought that if one of us went to the Sat Farmers Coop and asked around, we might hear of the most recent updates. (Possibly one of our local video TW folks up in Ferndale might be interested in helping out too.)<br />
<br />
Have you given the WA University Extension Service a call, or connected with Laura R with Sustainable Connections to see if they have any news to share?<br />
<br />
<b>( Angela, I also have a recent source of some rained-on no-spray hay/straw if you are interested give me a call before end of this week!).</b><br />
<br />
<cite>Angela MacLeod said:</cite><blockquote cite="http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/forum/topics/compost-animal-poo-organic?groupUrl=organic&xg_source=activity#2723460Comment28375"><div>Is anyone doing any research for local sources of animal feed and manure that are free of the problem herbicide?......If anyone wants to join me to do research please call,<br/>Angela MacLeod<br/></div>
</blockquote> Is anyone doing any research…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2010-08-09:2723460:Comment:283752010-08-09T17:11:30.477ZAngela MacLeodhttp://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/AngelaMacLeod
Is anyone doing any research for local sources of animal feed and manure that are free of the problem herbicide?<br />
<br />
We are getting rabbits to keep for their manure for our garden. But if we buy hay and other feed that has the herbicide it will get into our garden. We have a small city lot and do not have room to grow feed for the bunnies and later the chickens we plan to get. It will take time to research via going out to the county to ask farmers what they use on their crops....time and gas to…
Is anyone doing any research for local sources of animal feed and manure that are free of the problem herbicide?<br />
<br />
We are getting rabbits to keep for their manure for our garden. But if we buy hay and other feed that has the herbicide it will get into our garden. We have a small city lot and do not have room to grow feed for the bunnies and later the chickens we plan to get. It will take time to research via going out to the county to ask farmers what they use on their crops....time and gas to do that kind of research. May be necessary or the only way to find out. But not every gardener needs to do that if some of us are willing to team up, do research and report to others via this site.<br />
Or does anyone have another method?<br />
<br />
What are our local organic farmers doing for this issue? I only saw one article in the Herald on the topic. In it one organic farmer acknowledged significant damage to his crops and loss of income. I have not heard anything about what is being done to remedy this problem. It seems pretty serious to me if the damage continues for at least several years. The two ways to get it out of the soil are heavy irrigation (washing it out of one location, dispersing it to another) or planting a grass/grain crop, which will up-take the herbicide, then harvesting and destroying that crop. Or total removal of contaminated soil, then rebuilding soil.<br />
<br />
If anyone wants to join me to do research please call,<br />
Angela MacLeod<br />
733-3541 Compost in Skagit that is reg…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2010-07-13:2723460:Comment:262382010-07-13T20:27:17.028ZHeather Khttp://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/HeatherK
<b>Compost in Skagit that is regularly tested for aminopyralid</b> by by the Zeilstra family.<br />
<b>Please share your experience if anyone here obtains compost from them or wants to split a load.</b> I've posted this info in the text of this discussion for easier future referencing.<br />
<br />
<b>Remember To Grow & Harvest Plants for Your Own Compost!! (& Seaweed)<br />
Be aware of the source of any outside feed or organic matter being brought onto your land.</b><br />
<br />
<b>* Skagit Soils Inc. (360) 424-0199…</b>
<b>Compost in Skagit that is regularly tested for aminopyralid</b> by by the Zeilstra family.<br />
<b>Please share your experience if anyone here obtains compost from them or wants to split a load.</b> I've posted this info in the text of this discussion for easier future referencing.<br />
<br />
<b>Remember To Grow & Harvest Plants for Your Own Compost!! (& Seaweed)<br />
Be aware of the source of any outside feed or organic matter being brought onto your land.</b><br />
<br />
<b>* Skagit Soils Inc. (360) 424-0199 <a href="http://www.skagitsoilsinc.com/5073.html" target="_blank">http://www.skagitsoilsinc.com/5073.html</a></b><br />
13260 Ball Road (or google map 14104 Ovenell Rd) Mount Vernon, WA 98273<br />
They are located just east of the Skagit County Garbage Transfer Station off Ovenell Rd.<br />
(address doesn't show up correctly on Mapquest or Google Maps because it is a private road.)<br />
Use 14104 Ovenell Rd. 98273 to get driving directions.<br />
Hours - Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Alpacas Farmers & Breeder…tag:transitionwhatcom.ning.com,2010-03-26:2723460:Comment:167702010-03-26T08:22:24.087ZHeather Khttp://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/profile/HeatherK
<b><u>Alpacas Farmers & Breeders</u> (not quite Llama's)</b><br />
<br />
Alpacas - "A domesticated South American mammal (Lama pacos), related to the llama and having fine, long wool."<br />
<br />
<b>Camelot Ranch Alpacas - <i><a href="http://www.camelot-ranch.com/" target="_blank">http://www.camelot-ranch.com/</a></i><br />
Les & Carol Boswell</b><br />
3405 Bay Rd., Ferndale WA, 98248<br />
(phone number & email listed on their website!)<br />
<br />
At least go to the website to see the cute pictures of these critters!<br />
<br />
And,…
<b><u>Alpacas Farmers & Breeders</u> (not quite Llama's)</b><br />
<br />
Alpacas - "A domesticated South American mammal (Lama pacos), related to the llama and having fine, long wool."<br />
<br />
<b>Camelot Ranch Alpacas - <i><a href="http://www.camelot-ranch.com/" target="_blank">http://www.camelot-ranch.com/</a></i><br />
Les & Carol Boswell</b><br />
3405 Bay Rd., Ferndale WA, 98248<br />
(phone number & email listed on their website!)<br />
<br />
At least go to the website to see the cute pictures of these critters!<br />
<br />
And, whoever makes first contact...would you let them know there are gardeners waiting in line for their poo...and maybe consider sharing whatever poo you bring home with your friends & neighbors....and leave a post here for what type of bedding material they use and what type of feed & medications they use.<br />
<br />
This local family business "raise and sell registered Huacaya Alpacas, concentrating on Peruvian Accoyo stock.... breeding goals are aimed at improving density and fineness of fiber...along with those fiber quality goals ... are dedicated to raising a respectful, contented, and healthy herd."<br />
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _<br />
<br />
And to highlight what Chris Wolf said earlier:<br />
<b>" It is AMAZING how much mulch you can collect within walking distance of your house if you start looking around (this is the best Permaculture method)..."</b><br />
<br />
<b>So start bringing your wheelbarrow on your walks or hauling a cart behind your bike!...Auhh...I admit I carry a big bucket in my car for cow poo... and a bag for straw, gloves & tools...and carry cover crops in my cooler to toss on bare ground! - HK</b><br />
- - - - - - - - - - -<br />
<br />
Would someone post some etiquette guidelines for obtaining the cardboard?<br />
<br />
- - - - - - -<br />
<b><u>more cardboard & wood chips</u></b> - thanks to Chris W. & Juliet T. posts-<br />
<br />
<b>cardboard</b>- Wilson Furniture on Pacific Hwy"<br />
<br />
<b>Wood Chips</b> - “County Maintenance yard at Northwest and Smith...There are 3 county wood chip bins, one at Smith and Northwest (the most reliable - back behind the soccer fields), one at Britton Rd. and Mt. Baker Hwy, and one in Sudden Valley".